THREE days from today, the month of July shall have ended.
And this thirty-one day month of July leaves very touching memoirs in Short Cuts’ life.
First, in the early 50’s, this seventh month of the year usually starts the starving period of our family of eight – with five brothers, one sister, and parents.
The family was reared by a father only in his first grade and a mother in her second grade.
The father was only a tenant and with a mother as a pure housewife, doing only household chores.
As a tenant, the income of Short Cuts’ father was not enough even to feed his family. And as pure housewife, Short Cuts’ mother derives no income.
With this scenario, the family was contented only with either camote, corn grits or gabi on the table in every meal starting the month of July until the end of September – the month of October being the start of harvest season for rice.
For the sud-an?
No way!
Dili gani makalung-ag ug humay kada tingka-on, makapalit pa hin-on ug sud-an?
Second, it was in the whole month of July in 2021 when Short Cuts experienced a month long stay in a local hospital.
In the early dawn of July 1, 2021, he was awakened by a terrific stomach ache. Therefore, he had to visit the comfort room.
True enough, he had to vomit and at the same time extricate his wastes.
In only one occasion?
NO!
It happened for THREE successive occasions!
Weakened by the said health problem, Short Cuts had to be admitted in a local hospital.
Three days after admission, Short Cuts’ vomiting ceased. But it took two weeks from admission that his bowel movement became normal.
Upon release, Short Cuts’ attending physician called him to his office.
Any purpose?
Yes, a very memorable and a never-to-be-forgotten words of wisdom, as follows –
“Attorney, gusto ka pang mabuhi?”
“Kinsa may gustong mamatay, Doctor”, was my answer.
“Demudo ayaw na jud pag-inom” (referring to hard drinks), were his final words.
It has to be revealed that Short Cuts was a heavy drinker during his younger days, most specially when he served LGU Valencia as the town executive.
From thereon Short Cuts STOPPED his drinking sprees with friends and relatives.
To date, even softdrinks are NOW Short Cuts’ enemies.
And the third, is the present July, meaning July 2024.
The worst event which can never be forgotten happened in Short Cuts’ life – the death of his youngest son.
Dionisio Victor A. Balite returned to his Creator on July 18, 2024 at age 52.
Serving as Acting Governor before his death, he was first elected Senior Board Member during Short Cuts’ term as Vice-Governor in 2016 to 2019. In the next local election he was elected again as Senior Board Member.
In the 2022 local elections he was ultimately elected as Vice-Governor beating an incumbent who had a long years of political record as a formerly elected Board Member, Vice Governor, Governor, and Congressman.
To Ondoy Victor, we are missing you eternally, but please be reminded also that we eternally love you.
May you rest in peace!
